Although I was burned out on the Ivory-billed Woodpecker hype for a while, I thought I should pass along the following link which I saw posted on the Iowa List Serve.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/12/13/ivorybilled.woodpecker.reut/index .html The article discusses the contributions hunters have made in habitat protection and monitoring with regard to the recent rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. I personally believe that this is an important message and I believe the article is well written - it may be worth a look. The person posting to the Iowa list emphasized that birders, as well, can buy migratory waterfowl stamps (duck stamps) and that 98% of the revenue raised through these purchases goes toward habitat acquisition. The most recent issue of North American Birds also has a section dedicated to Ivory-Billed Woodpecker monitoring and potential for rediscovery in the Southeastern US which I found interesting. It, also, may be worth reading if you can find a copy. Thinking about birders (MOU specifically) and habitat conservation....and just thinking off the top of my head... I know some birders say they are reluctant to buy waterfowl stamps, but we all seem to believe conservation is important... Has the MOU ever considered the possibility fund-raising for targeted habitat "acquisitions" (in conjunction with TNC, DNR, or USFWS)? With the exception of Hawk Ridge I have never heard the possibility discussed, although the need for birders to be involved in conservation has often been discussed on this list. I am thinking of an initative similiar to the fund raising attempts for Bolviar Flats a few years ago. Perhaps if TNC, USFWS, or DNR has a willing landowner near Felton Prairie, Red Rock Prairie, Salt Lake or near selected areas through-out the state... there could be an organized structure for raising money from the birding community (after all 36% of the state's population has been labeled as "Bird Watchers"). Perhaps the birding community would be more willing to contribute if they knew where their habitat dollars would be spent. Just a thought.... If anyone is still reading, perhaps the MOU could take an active role in finding volunteers for monitoring or habitat improvement projects such as buckthorn removal. Williams Nature Park (home of the often watched Kentucky Warblers) is one spot that is becoming overgrown with exotic species (buckthorn). Perhaps the MOU could provide a method of organizing "habitat crews" for such projects (assuming that the landowner has a similiar interest in preserving the habitat). TNC does something similiar for habitat improvement projects on their preserves. Perhaps it could be as simple as a volunteer opportunity posting to this list, a listing of upcoming habitat projects on the MOU website, or an annual supplement to the newsletter similiar to the ABA's "Volunteer Opportunities". I wonder how much interest there might be for such a initative. (I also wonder if the buckthorn at Williams could ever be eliminated by physical or chemical means) These activities may well be beyond the current abilities or interests of the MOU, but the article got me thinking about the issues, possibilities, and ... Thank you for your patience, Brad Bolduan Windom, MN
